Raboso by name, rambunctious by nature (except this one is surprisingly gentle)! The nose is rich and layered: black cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry and sour cherry all jostling alongside dried herbs, black pepper, violet, rose and a flash of red liquorice and menthol. It's complex for an easy drinker, and serious bang for your buck! The palate flips to brighter territory with red fruit notes, high acidity, light body and low tannins. Lovely stuff!

Origin: Veneto, northeastern Italy - specifically the banks of the Piave river. Mainly Grown In: Almost exclusively the Veneto region of Italy, particularly around Treviso and the Piave DOC. Key Facts: If Merlot is a Golden Retriever, Raboso is the misunderstood rescue dog that takes a little patience but turns out to be fiercely loyal and utterly one-of-a-kind. This bold Italian variety is not here to make friends quickly - it comes loaded with high tannins, sharp acidity, and a brooding intensity that can catch you off guard on first sip. But stick with it (and give it some time in the glass, or ideally a few years in the cellar), and Raboso reveals a deeply rewarding side: dark blackberry, sour cherry, earthy herbs, and a kind of rustic charm that's impossible to fake. Think of it as the grape equivalent of a slow-burn friendship - takes a moment to warm up, but absolutely worth it. Fun Fact: The name "Raboso" is thought to come from "rabbioso" - the Italian word for angry. Which, honestly, fair enough. High acid, grippy tannins, takes years to fully settle down... we've all met people like that at a dinner party. The good news? Like most things worth waiting for, the anger fades and the magic takes over.